Norwich and around

In its Norman heyday, Norwich was one of England’s biggest cities and it retains much of its historic character in its buildings. The stunning medieval cathedral at one end and sturdy twelfth century castle at the other dominate the skyline. Between them, narrow lanes and open squares are dotted with medieval buildings and a large number of churches. Norwich is not simply stuck in the past, however, with a lively student population and burgeoning arts scene.

The quiet countryside surrounding Norwich is home to Blickling Hall, a grand Jacobean Mansion (although parts date back to the eleventh century) in beautiful grounds. The hall was once owned by the Boleyn family and legend has it that headless horses drive a coach to the door each year on the anniversary of the death of Anne Boleyn.